How to Survive 12 Hour Shifts at Work

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Working a 12 hour shift can be grueling, especially on the feet and sleep schedule. Surviving a week of these long shifts requires a bit of planning and perhaps a footwear upgrade. Be ready to cancel all social activities for the week, and get ready to prop up the feet after a seemingly endless work day.

Clearing the Schedule

When working long shifts at work, it’s wise to completely and totally clear the day’s schedule. Between working and sleeping, there are only 4 hours left of the day; this time is usually spent cooking, bathing, commuting, and caring for pets or children. Therefore, it’s wise to eliminate any social activities, extensive chores, or errands until the weekend arrives.

 

Caring for the Feet

When working all day, the feet will endure a lot of stress. Feet should have excellent support, so be sure that shoes are in good shape with excellent arch support. Feet should be kept dry using a combination of cotton socks and powders. This will help to prevent a buildup of fungal or bacterial activity. If the feet begin to feel excessively painful or swollen, contact a podiatrist Altamonte Springs FL to ensure that they have not suffered a stress injury.

 

Meal Preparation

If possible, prepare all meals ahead of time for the week. Breakfast, such as overnight oats, can be thrown together at night while dinner is heating. Lunches can be prepared in bulk, or they could be a quick and easy sandwich that is prepared in the morning. Meals such as leftover pot roast are perfect for dividing and refrigerating, supplying the week’s lunches in one fell swoop. For dinners, try easy microwaveable meals or crock-pot meals. Many crock-pot meals can be assembled and frozen in gallon bags during the weekend, then thawed the night before cooking. In the morning, dump the bag into the crock-pot and let it cook low and slow throughout the work day.

Working long shifts can be stressful for the body, mind, and soul. Always remember to take care of the body to avoid injuries or fatigue. Keeping chores and to-do lists short during long work days will help to reduce stress, as well.